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Welcome to Chartley Lodge site. Hopefully you will find this website a good source of information related to Charley Lodge and Freemasonry.

About

About Freemasonry

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. The United Grand Lodge of England administers all Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales, and in many places overseas. Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides.

Freemasonry and Religion:

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it up to men of many religions; and it expects them to follow their own faith. It does not allow discussion of religion at any of its meetings.

Freemasonry and Politics:

English Freemasonry has no political affiliations, and, as with religious beliefs, no discussions relating to political matters are allowed in its Lodges.

Freemasonry and Society:

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members’ duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their private and public responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of his membership to promote his own or anyone else’s business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.

Other Masonic Bodies:

Freemasonry is practised under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of England. There are some Grand Lodges and other apparently Masonic bodies which do not match up to these standards: for example, they do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or they allow or encourage their members to participate in political matters. These Grand Lodges or bodies are not recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England as being Masonically regular, and Masonic contact with them is forbidden.

Membership

Who are Freemasons?

The Essential Qualification for Membership:

The essential qualification for admission into Freemasonry, and continuing membership, is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification and are of good repute.

Charity:

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

The Three Great Principles:

For many years, Freemasons have followed the three Grand Principles, and believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life:

Brotherly Love

Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.

Relief

Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.

Truth

Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.

What Sort Of Men Become Freemasons?

Freemasons believe that a man has a responsibility to act with honour in everything that he does.

Freemasons believe in God – a Supreme Being.

Freemasons allow others the same right to their beliefs that they expect themselves.

Freemasons have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than they found it.

Freemasons believe not only that it is not only more blessed to give than to receive, but that it is also more fun.

Freemasons help their Brothers when they need it, and are willing to accept their help when they need it themselves.

Freemasons believe that there is more to life than financial success.

Freemasons strive to be good citizens, with a moral duty to be true to the country in which they live?.

Freemasons show compassion to others, believing that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values.

Freemasons strive to live a brotherly life.

If these ideals strike a chord with you, you would find like-minded brothers in a Lodge. Freemasons are men like you.

Some guidance

The members of Chartley Lodge are always ready to welcome new members or visitors. They have committed themselves to enjoying their membership and the opportunities it brings for fellowship with their brethren and their families.

This requires time, but it should never be allowed to come between Freemasons and their families and friends.

To get the most out of Freemasonry with the Chartley Lodge, its members manage, as much as they can, to do the following:

Attend our regular Meetings, which are held eight times each year, on the first Friday in every month from October to May.

Dine with the Brethren after each meeting.

Attend the Lodge of Instruction – an opportunity to practise the work done in Lodge, and to meet other members on a relatively informal basis.

Join our regular giving to charity, often gift aided.

Meet brethren from other Lodges, and invite them as visitors to the meetings of our Lodge.

There are also costs, but it is most important that Freemasons believe that a man should be able to afford membership without embarrassment to his family responsibilities. These costs include a joining fee and yearly subscriptions.

Giving

For Freemasons, for families, for everyone

Kindness has always been a core principle of Freemasonry. Individuals give time and money to help others, whether locally, nationally or globally. It may be realising a dream for a member’s child, caring for older Freemasons, volunteering on a local community project, making donations to other UK charities or responding to an international disaster appeal.

Today we are one of the UK’s top charities raising over £30m a year and one of its main grant-giving bodies. Click here or in the logo above for more details:

Other Links

United Grand Lodge of England

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Staffordshire

About This Site

This site has been prepared to give the visitors information about Freemasonry as well as Chartley Lodge No 7569.